Unique Definition & Meaning

American

British

Usage

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Examples

Related Words

Synonyms unique American [yoo-neek] / yuˈnik /

adjective

1. existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics.

   a unique copy of an ancient manuscript.

2. having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable.

   Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint.

3. limited in occurrence to a given class, situation, or area.

   a species unique to Australia.

4. limited to a single outcome or result; without alternative possibilities.

   Certain types of problems have unique solutions.

5. not typical; unusual.

   She has a very unique smile.

noun

1. the embodiment of unique characteristics; the only specimen of a given kind.

   The unique is also the improbable.

unique British / juːˈniːk /

adjective

1. being the only one of a particular type; single; sole

2. without equal or like; unparalleled

3. informal very remarkable or unusual

4. maths

   1. leading to only one result

      the sum of two integers is unique

   2. having precisely one value

      the unique positive square root of 4 is 2

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

Many authors of usage guides, editors, teachers, and others feel strongly that such “absolute” words as complete, equal, perfect, and especially unique cannot be compared because of their “meaning”: a word that denotes an absolute condition cannot be described as denoting more or less than that absolute condition. However, all such words have undergone semantic development and are used in a number of senses, some of which can be compared by words like more, very, most, absolutely, somewhat, and totally and some of which cannot. The earliest meanings of unique when it entered English around the beginning of the 17th century were “single, sole” and “having no equal.” By the mid-19th century unique had developed a wider meaning, “not typical, unusual,” and it is in this wider sense that it is compared: The foliage on the late-blooming plants is more unique than that on the earlier varieties. The comparison of so-called absolutes in senses that are not absolute is standard in all varieties of speech and writing. See also a 1, complete, perfect.

Unique is normally taken to describe an absolute state, i.e. one that cannot be qualified. Thus something is either unique or not unique; it cannot be rather unique or very unique. However, unique is sometimes used informally to mean very remarkable or unusual and this makes it possible to use comparatives or intensifiers with it, although many people object to this use

Other Word Forms

• nonunique adjective
• nonuniquely adverb
• uniquely adverb
• uniqueness noun

Etymology

Origin of unique

First recorded in 1595–1605; from French, from Latin ūnicus, equivalent to ūn(us) “one” + -icus -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“However, this transaction presents unique challenges because it would involve the combination of three companies, with the smallest, Skydance, being the controlling entity.”

From Los Angeles Times

But a coherent spin on a revered literary figure and his unique place in crime fiction?

From The Wall Street Journal

"Human intelligence is defined by this flexibility -- and it reflects the unique organization of the human brain."

From Science Daily

“I think people have come to appreciate that the Olympics on U.S. soil is a unique marketing opportunity for the game,” Manfred said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Also unique to the model is Kickback’s promise to devote 3% of gross revenue to support of initiatives aimed at bringing new fans into the game.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• exceptional
• extraordinary
• rare
• singular
• special
• strange
• uncommon
• unparalleled
• unprecedented
• weird

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.